Image input and output method

Abstract

A image input/output method for reading fine input data without increasing the amount of information and for reproducing fine image data from the input data. Data is extracted from every nth pixel in a line of pixels. The extraction process is repeated for n lines of pixels while sequentially changing the phase of the pixels from which data is extracted for each of the n lines. A single data line is formed by combining the pixel data extracted from the n lines of pixels.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An input method for an image comprising a plurality of pixels, the pixels having a phase an defining a plurality of pixel lines, the method comprising: extracting data from every nth pixel in a pixel line, wherein n is an integer greater than one,   repeating the extracting step for n pixel lines, wherein the phase of the pixels from which data is extracted is different for each of the n pixel lines, and   forming a single data line by combining the data extracted from the n pixel lines.   
     
     
       2. A method as in claim 1 wherein n is equal to two. 
     
     
       3. An output method for an image comprising a plurality of pixels, the pixels having a phase and defining a plurality of pixel lines, the method comprising: receiving a data line comprising a plurality of pixels,   extracting data from every nth pixel in the data line, wherein n is an integer greater than one,   forming a pixel line comprising a plurality of pixels using the data extracted from every nth pixel in the data line,   performing the extracting and forming steps n times, wherein the phase of the pixels in the data line from which data is extracted is different for each of the n times.   
     
     
       4. A method as in claim 3, wherein the step of forming a pixel line further comprises the step of interpolating data for at least one of the pixels in the pixel line using the data extracted from every nth pixel in the data line. 
     
     
       5. A method as in claim 3 wherein n is equal to two.